Silicon gel used as permanent mid-soles and/or insoles in all types and sizes of shoes

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a silicone gel midsole for footwear with a durometer of approximately 50, layered and bonded between the outsole and insole for making a conformable shoe part using silicone gel material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance fit, support, comfort, and cushioning. The present invention can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Much research has gone into the discovery of systems for enhancing the usability of footwear; individuals seeking to develop such a system must attempt to maximize a daunting number of variables, including comfort, shock absorbency, and lateral support. In order to make a midsole as inexpensively as possible, however, it would be ideal to make the midsole out of a single piece of material. While many workers have sought to develop elaborate midsole systems, the midsole system of the present invention is comparatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture: it consists of a single piece of silicone gel material of given durometer and thickness that maximize the comfort, shock absorbency, and lateral support afforded by the shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a silicone gel midsole for use in an article of footwear, including women's shoes, men's dress shoes, athletic shoes, children's shoes, or sandals. This midsole covers the entire top surface of the relatively inelastic outsole of an article of footwear, to ensure that the shoe will be maximally adaptable to the anatomical features of a particular user, and thereby maximize fit, comfort, and support for the user. This midsole has a durometer of approximately 50, and has a thickness in the range of 2-6 millimeters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is to be used in conjunction with an article of footwear. (FIG. 1) For purposes of this description, it shall be assumed that the article of footwear (the shoe) with which the invention is used has a relatively inelastic outsole A having a bottom surface for contacting the ground, and a top surface which faces up and makes contact with the midsole. B This outsole A is anchored to an upper portion D of the shoe, which can be made of any suitable material, including leather, cloth, or polymer, and can take any reasonable geometric form, including but not limited to that of a sandal strap, or the upper of a closed-toe shoe of any style. On the top surface of the outsole, A the midsole is immovably affixed, either by gluing or by sewing, or by any other reasonable means of adherence. This midsole B should have an elasticity not exceeding that of the bottom sole, and should be conformable when pressure is applied to it in a direction normal to the plane of its top surface. A silicone gel midsole B having a durometer of approximately 50 and a thickness of approximately 2-6 millimeters is preferred for midsole purposes for the following reasons. First, the durometer of the material ensures that the shoe sole will be conformable to the particular anatomical features of any wearer's foot, but will be firm enough to provide substantial lateral support to the wearer's foot, to help prevent slippage and blisters. The thickness of the midsole B ensures that the midsole B will deform appropriately in response to the pressure of the wearer's foot, ensuring an optimal degree of comfort and shock absorbance for the sole of the user's foot, while at the same time ensuring adequate lateral support for the user's foot. On top of the midsole B, there may be an insole C bearing a brand name or other trademark, but it is understood that the present invention may be used with or without an insole. C A key feature of the present invention is that it is a full-length and full-width silicone gel midsole B; this feature ensures that the entire top surface of the outsole A of a shoe is covered with silicone gel, ensuring maximal cushioning and support for the user, whereas other insoles C or midsoles B available commercially and disclosed in the art only provide for partial coverage of the top surface of the outsole A with cushioning material; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,699. This full coverage of the upper face of the outsole A ensures maximum shock absorbency and maximal comfort for the wearer.

FIGURES

FIG. 1. Representative drawing of a shoe making use of the claimed midsole. 

1. A silicone gel midsole or insole for use in an article of footwear, said insole covering the entire top surface of the bottom sole of an article of footwear having a bottom sole; and said insole having a durometer substantially equal to 50; and said insole having a thickness in the range between 2 and 6 millimeters; and said insole being immovable attached to the bottom sole of said article of footwear. 